“He’s a Pirate!” is a Level 2A piano arrangement from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, with music by Klaus Badelt. It is written in 6/8 time and marked “Fast, with energy, in two.” The arrangement uses a bold low-register opening, accented notes, tied rhythms, dotted bass patterns, slurs, dynamic changes, repeated melodic ideas, a fortissimo ending, and a final ritardando. The piece keeps the adventurous character of the movie theme while simplifying the texture for an early-level pianist.

Measures 1–6 introduce the opening pirate theme in a low register. The melody begins strongly at forte, with accents and repeated rhythmic patterns. The left hand rests through much of this opening, allowing the main rhythm to sound clear and direct.

Measures 7–18 present the main theme in the treble register. The right hand carries the melody with short repeated notes, slurs, and ties, while the left hand supports with steady dotted bass notes. This section gives the piece its familiar driving motion.

Measures 19–24 build into a stronger middle section. The right hand adds more two-note chords and accented rhythms, while the left hand continues the steady bass pattern. The music grows with a crescendo and moves into a louder forte sound.

Measures 25–36 continue the main theme with a fuller texture. The right hand uses repeated chord shapes, small melodic turns, and tied notes, while the left hand keeps the 6/8 pulse moving underneath. This section extends the energy of the piece across the second and third pages.

Measures 37 to the end form the closing section. The music grows to fortissimo, with accented chords, a low left-hand pattern, and a final ritardando. The last chord is held with a fermata, giving the arrangement a strong dramatic ending.

Interesting fact: The score for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was credited to Klaus Badelt, with Hans Zimmer serving as score producer. “He’s a Pirate!” became one of the most recognizable themes from the film series.